Rio Ferdinand has revealed there is "no chance" of him not being fit enough to start the Champions League final despite Sir Alex Ferguson's assertion that the defender's involvement is in serious doubt because of a calf injury.

"I'm fine," Ferdinand said last night. "I have trained with the ball today and done some running, so I'm doing all the movements I need to be doing before a game. I haven't even thought about not playing in the final. It's as simple as that – no chance."

The player's optimistic assessment was in stark contrast to Ferguson's own take on the subject only a few hours earlier when Manchester United's manager told a roomful of journalists, including many from Spain, that Ferdinand might not be able to start against Barcelona because of the problem that has led to him missing him the last three matches. Ferguson spoke extensively about the possibility of Jonny Evans partnering Nemanja Vidic in Rome next Wednesday and said Ferdinand would not be ready for the starting XI unless he proved his fitness in Sunday's game at Hull City.

"I'm hoping he will be fit for Sunday because, if not, then he is doubtful for the final, that's for sure," said Ferguson. "He needs a game behind him because to go into a Champions League final without a game for three weeks is too much. So hopefully he will be fit for Sunday. Otherwise, he will probably be fit on Wednesday, but whether he will be ready for a game is another matter.

"The plan is for him to start training on Thursday and then once he gets into the football side we will have a better idea about his availability. But I'd have no problem playing Jonny Evans in the final."

Ferdinand, however, was able to take part in a full session yesterday with no reaction and, even if he does not play on Sunday, he insists it would have no bearing on his availability four days later. "You'll have to ask the manager but, physically, I'd be able to do it, no problem," he said.

The injury, according to Ferguson, should usually take 10 to 14 days to clear up, and Ferdinand suffered it during a training session 12 days ago.

"This has been perhaps the hardest and most important injury battle of my career," said Ferdinand. "There is so much at stake. I haven't even thought much about the final. I have been so engrossed in my injury that I haven't thought about much else. I will start thinking about the actual match when I am sitting on the plane to Rome."